A 32-year-old Gulf national is on trial for allegedly attempting to murder a man whom he claims raped him at the age of five. Prosecutors have charged the suspect with attempted murder for allegedly trying to strangle a 39-year-old Gulf national during late-night prayers in a mosque in Al Qouz during Ramadan. The suspect pleaded not guilty in the Dubai Criminal Court and denied any intention to kill the alleged victim. Official records indicate that the incident occurred in April when the 39-year-old was attending a special late-night prayer in the mosque. It is claimed that the suspect approached the claimant shortly after the imam finished the prayer and attempted to strangle him, leading to both men falling to the ground with the suspect's hands on the claimant's neck. Worshippers intervened and separated them to halt the assault.
The suspect admitted to the court that he had assaulted the claimant but asserted that he had no intention to kill him. His lawyer, Nasser Hashem, informed Khaleej Times that he will present his defense arguments when the court reconvenes. Hashem stated that his client denied any intention to kill and explained that the assault was triggered by the trauma of alleged childhood abuse by the victim. The claimant alleged during interrogation that the suspect attacked him from behind, and they fell to the ground before worshippers intervened. The 39-year-old also claimed that the suspect, whom he has known for 25 years, threatened him with revenge and murder outside the mosque, citing past abuse. The claimant vehemently denied the rape allegations and stated that he had no previous issues with the suspect. Medical reports confirmed that the claimant suffered from soreness and abrasions on his neck.
Police records indicate that the suspect was detained shortly after the attack but was later granted conditional release with a travel ban. Prosecutors dropped the death threat charge against the suspect after the 39-year-old waived his rights on that accusation, but they continued with the attempted murder complaint. A hearing in the case is scheduled to take place soon.
